THE Lounge night club on Wednesday night hosted a National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) winners’ party for Bulawayo artistes who scooped 12 accolades in total out of the 33 on offer.
NONHLANHLA SIBANDA OWN CORRESPONDENT
The who’s who of Bulawayo entertainment circles graced the party to honour artistes who excelled in various genrés for uplifting the city’s name.
Comedian Babongile Sikhonjwa was the master of ceremonies and kept the crowd entertained with hilarious jokes. He indicated that The Lounge had dedicated Wednesdays to celebrate the arts.
Of the 12 winners, seven were present and they thanked The Lounge owner Phathisani Nkomo for organising the event, saying it was the first time they had been acknowledged for winning Namas.
Another comedian, Clive Chigubhu, proved why he was voted the most outstanding in his industry by keeping the audience laughing when he was handed the mic.
Hip-hop artiste PoZee wowed the guests with his song Sola which had the audience dancing and singing along.
Raisedon Baya, who received the outstanding theatrical production for UMbiko KaMadlenya by Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo and outstanding children’s book for Around the Fire — Folktales from Zimbabwe said: “When we work, we do not work for awards, but it gives me satisfaction knowing that I received two. It is more about the people who follow you. We try and be relevant.
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“I have received awards in different disciplines; journalistic award, theatre production award and others. In other countries an award brings more work, but it is different here in Zimbabwe; there are no resources.”
Baya has received more than 12 Namas to date.
Chigubhu said he was happy he got the attention he desired and believes God has plans for him.
“I don’t feel like I am the best, but I have received that attention I have been longing for,” he said.
“I can now show people why I am talented. I feel God has a lot of plans for me. I almost died twice last year, but I am here alive. I am like a cat with nine lives, now I am left with seven and in those seven, I will make sure I will leave my Zimbabwean audience happy and satisfied because they need it.”
Bulawayo Nama winners 2015 Outstanding three-dimensional work winner: Mwana Wedangwe by Rufaro Murenza
Outstanding exhibition Winner: Crossing the Bridge by Clifford Zulu
Outstanding actress Winner: Bathabile Dlamini in UMbiko KaMadlenya
Outstanding actor Winner: Memory Kumbota in UMbiko KaMadlenya
Outstanding director Winner: Nelson Mapako for UMbiko KaMadlenya
Outstanding theatrical production Winner: UMbiko KaMadlenya by Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo
Outstanding female dancer Winner: Cheryl Mabaya — Iyasa
Outstanding children’s book Winner: Around the Fire — Folktales from Zimbabwe edited by Raisedon Baya
Outstanding comedian Winner: Clive Chigubhu
Outstanding poet Winner: Likhwa Ncube
Outstanding screen production – Short Film Winner: My Dream by Sheunesu Moyo
Outstanding screen production (Television) Winner: Mr Perfect by Gugulethu Ndlovu
